Environmental Pollutants - Welding Rods
Welding is the process of joining two metal parts. This is accomplished by melting the parts at the point of contact and simultaneously creating a connection with the molten metal from the disjointed parts, called the parent metal, or from filler material. The filler material used to join the metal parts is called the "consumable." Welding rods, electrodes, and wire are commonly used as consumables. The process of melting the parent metal and the consumable produces concentrated fumes and gases. The consumable is the major source of fumes.
Welding fumes can contain a several different elements, depending on the metals being welded and the consumable being used. Elements contained in welding fumes include fluorine, manganese, zinc, lead, arsenic, calcium, sulfur, chrome, and nickel. While fumes themselves are not often visible, the elements released in the fumes are still present.
The following welding methods generate exposure to manganese fumes:
- Shielded metal arc welding or "stick"
- Gas metal arc or metal inert gas (MIG) welding or "short arc"
- Gas tungsten arc or tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding or "heliarc"
- Flux cored arc welding
- Brazing
- Thermal cutting
- Metal pouring
- Gauging
Other types of welding include the following:
- Plasma Arc Welding (PAC, PAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
- Carbon Arc Welding (CAW)
- Electro Slag Welding (ESW)
- Electro Gas Welding (EGW)
- Stand Welding
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- Beddon Plate Welding
- Oxygen Cutting
- Air Carbon Arc Cutting
Often, welding rods or electrodes are the consumables that contain the highest concentration of manganese. Shielded Metal Arc (or "stick") welding is the type of welding that produces the most manganese fumes. However, other welding consumables or types of welding are still potential causative agents.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, illness or death, as the result of environmental pollutants, such as welding rods, and you believe the exposure was someone else's fault, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your welding rod case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a welding rod lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
